I know there is lots of talk these days about essential oils and they are quickly becoming the "next big thing". As I read more and more articles, some from credible sources, some from people with experience and some frankly from mommy bloggers like me; one thing is becoming more and more clear and that is that you need to do a LOT of your own research before using them in your home and on your family.
I suggest reading up, reading reviews and just plain researching. Take into account what types of medical conditions you have going on with the members of your family and whether or not those conditions could be negatively affected by oils that you may use. Also PAY ATTENTION to your body after oil use. If something doesn't feel right, or look right after use of an oil, discontinue use.
All that being said, my family and I have had some great experience with using oils in our home. We have in no means replaced all conventional forms of medicine by oils but it does give us one more option of "home remedy" to try before reaching for a traditional, and let's be honest chemical-laden, product. However, sometimes OTC medicines and remedies are just my best and first choice. Like I said, you have to do what is right for your family.
Two big pieces of advice that I can give to folks that are just starting out or want to start out using oils are these:
DILUTE &
DIFFUSE!
If you are nervous about trying something new with your essential oils dilute it like crazy with a carrier oil. I use
coconut oil for this at my house but do your research because there are tons of other options. Diluting the oil is a good idea anyway. Try to NEVER use a straight oil on your skin despite what some sites/companies may tell you. In reading up on some articles on folks that have been practicing aromatherapy for many years, they all say to dilute. You can also use the aromatherapy point on your foot instead of directly on your chest, face, etc.
If you are still nervous to try something, why not just
diffuse the combo? You can get a diffuser for around $40 and try various combinations of oils. Diffusing allows you to get the oils in a much gentler way.
Speaking of diffusing, that gets me to the point of today's post...wait, the point wasn't to get an EO research soapbox? Surprisingly, no. It was to tell you about one of my favorite blends as of late that I call the "Beating winter blues and bugs" blend. Super original, I know!
I have two
diffusers in my house and I have this blend going on and off throughout the day in the main area of our house. It is a blend of Doterra's On Guard, Bergamot and Lavender. I use about 5 drops of Bergamot, and 3 drops each of On Guard and Lavender. Both the Bergamot and Lavender fight depression and anxiety and the OnGuard fights all sorts of bugs. I am not going to say that it has kept the bugs away completely but it has kept our immune systems a bit stronger and better able to fight off winter germs.
It has definitely helped to ward off winter blues for EVERYONE in our house. My husband deals with lots of stress at work and I have noticed a big difference with his mood every evening when he comes home since I've been diffusing this blend.
The blend of those three also smells pretty light and refreshing. I love On Guard but it can be a bit spicy smelling for me at times so the Bergamot and Lavender really help to lighten it up.
What blends are you loving this winter?